Ask Lisa: Where can I find real heavy cream?

Wednesday

Jun 7, 2017 at 6:55 AMJun 7, 2017 at 6:55 AM

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Q. I am having trouble finding heavy cream in my area groceries. I know I can substitute heavy whipping cream, but the fat content isn’t the same. I’m looking for it because I’m a fan of “The Great British Bake Off” and Mary Berry’s baking cookbooks. Her recipes often call for cream or even double cream.

— S.W., Columbus, Ohio

A: To meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, heavy cream must be at least 36 percent milkfat.

Light cream and light whipping cream must be at least 18 percent milkfat.

What is labeled as heavy whipping is typically somewhat less than 36 percent, but more than 20 percent.

Double cream is a British product that is about 48 percent milkfat. It is not readily available in the U.S., as most dairies do not have the equipment to produce it.